COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 12, 2024

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor L.Guéret

To ask the Chief Executive, if there are plans for further investment in and expansion of the beneficial Neurodiverse South Project which has been launched by Dublin South Libraries.

REPLY:

The recently launched Neurodiverse South Toy Collection is a specialised collection of resources available for free borrowing at any branch of South Dublin Libraries. Aiming to provide support for children and adults with neurodiverse needs, learning difficulties, disabilities, or complex needs, the collection includes resources in the categories of core developmental aids, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language communication and social skills, play and life skills, and sensory and tactile aids. This collection will be updated on an ongoing basis.

The Neurodiverse South project also includes an annual series of free lectures and workshops. These events offer guidance, support and networking opportunities for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Events specifically designed for Neurodiverse children take place regularly in our libraries, and will be a part of all major programmes and festivals going forward, including the Library Lab STEAM programmes, Cruinniú na nÓg, Summer Stars programming, etc. These events allow children with additional needs to access the library in a sensory friendly setting and participate in events they may not normally feel comfortable to attend.

The project adds to a range of measures in our libraries to make them welcoming spaces for all, including regular sensory times, and the provision of Cubbie sensory regulation spaces.

This year, we also plan to introduce regular events with a qualified play practitioner across our branch network. These will be regular classes for neurodivergent children and their families. Classes would include a range of themes including chat and play, Lego Play, Active Play and Art and Sensory Play. These events would promote gross motor, fine motor, play, social and communication skills while simultaneously offering an opportunity for parents and carers to informally meet, make connections and support one another.